That time of the year has arrived! it doesn’t matter if you’re a casual tech enthusiast or an Apple fanatic, Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is an exciting event for everyone. Apple has announced the dates for WWDC 2023 from June 5 to June 9 online. The company in the past has been known to launch new technologies, features, and products at this conference over the years. This time around too, the Cupertino-base tech giant is expected to unveil long-awaited features, and even new hardware like the much-anticipated Apple AR headset.
WWDC 2023
WWDC 2023 will be held from June 5 to June 9 in an online format. However, the first day of the event will be a physical event at Apple Park in California. The tech giant has revealed that developers and students will be able to attend the physical event which will feature a keynote and a State of the Union address which will also be telecast for online participants. Both online and offline events are available to attend for free but there are space limitations in place for the latter.
The online programme will include sessions, one-on-one labs and a chance to interact with Apple engineers and other developers. The company is additionally holding a Swift Student Challenge this year for people who love to code.
It is expected that Apple will introduce iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, tvOS 17, and watchOS 10 at this year’s WWDC. Additionally, the much anticipated Reality Pro AR Headset is also expected to make its debut during the event. However, no confirmation about the same has been made by Apple.
Reports suggest that the upcoming AR/VR headset is set to be a standalone device. The company is reportedly using specialized chipsets which are comparable to Apple’s Macbook laptops. It will be interesting to see this device finally make its way to the mainstream market after months of leaks and anticipation.
It won’t be unfair to say that the Indian cinema industry is dominated by male-centric films. We have heroes who are larger than life fighting villains in slow motion all while women characters get sidelined. It was the era of the ‘Angry Young Man’ which propagated the narrative of male dominant storytelling. Indian classics like Sholay or Agneepath feature a similar male-dominant narrative but what goes unnoticed are the strong female characters present in them. Unfortunately, women in the majority have been underrepresented in most films of the past era. The ‘Masala’ films often tend to portray women as eye candies who don’t really bring much to the story narrative-wise.
For the relief of the audience, parallel cinema exists! However, it will be an understatement to say that women-centric films are only limited to parallel cinema as many examples in the recent past have made them mainstream. The essence of women actors has now changed in India with men taking a backseat in some of the best films released in India. In our Exhibit women’s special edition, we wanted to have a look at all women-centric films from India that deserve your attention –
Raazi
Alia Bhatt has cemented herself as a bankable star on her own with solo films like Raazi and Gangubai Kathiawadi. While the latter also deserves a mention in the list, Raazi stands out as it’s not just a women-centric film but also a patriotic one. Missions, spies, and deceit are some story points that keep the audience hooked to the screen. Raazi is a complete package as this spy thriller excels in every aspect. Alia Bhatt moves the audience with her heartbreaking performance towards the end of the film.
English Vinglish
This Sridevi film portrays how women are treated in a patriarchal Indian household. English Vinglish revolves around Shashi Godbole, a middle-class housewife who struggles to speak fluent English. Her confidence is damaged trying to get a hold of the English language and decides to join an English-speaking class. Sridevi plays Shashi as a persistent and hard-working woman who does not let challenges overthrow her goals. The film ultimately depicts that even if a woman has dedicated her life to taking care of her family, she can go out in the world and find her own voice.
Margarita With A Straw
Margarita With A Straw is one of the few Indian films that depict the story of a differently-abled person with respect and sensibility. It stars Kalki Koechlin in the lead role as a teenager with cerebral palsy who shifts to America for higher studies. Kalki plays Laila who is an outgoing girl regardless of her disability. The film ultimately speaks about same-sex relationships which have not been done in India extensively.
Pink
The film brought about a feminist wave across the country and let the nation know that when a girl says ‘No’ it means ‘No’. The gripping thriller revolves around the life of three women fighting a legal battle against men from an influential family and ultimately winning it. Pink not just sheds a thorough light on consent in sexual relationships but also talks about victim blaming. Pink highlights and underlines that a woman’s clothing or lifestyle are not indicative of the fact that ‘She’s asking for it’.
Thappad
Taapsee Pannu has been at the forefront of women-centric films in the country with films like Pink and Thappad. The basic storyline of the film revolves around a slap and how a husband does not have a right to slap or physically hurt his wife. Films in India have not addressed the issue of domestic violence by large and it was only with Alia Bhatt’s Darlings is where viewers got to see the issue acknowledged. However, Thappad remains the first film in the modern Hindi film industry to shed a light on this issue.
Women breaking records across various fields has been a growing trend in recent years, inspiring millions of young girls and women around the world to dream big and aim for the stars. From the world of sports to politics, entertainment to technology, women are breaking barriers and challenging gender norms, proving that there is no limit to what they can achieve.
In sports, women have broken countless records and shattered longstanding barriers. From Serena Williams’ record-breaking 23 Grand Slam titles to Simone Biles’ domination of the gymnastics world with a jaw-dropping 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, female athletes continue to rewrite the history books and redefine what it means to be a champion.
Outside of sports, women are also making waves and breaking records in other areas. Kamala Harris, for example, made history in 2021 when she became the first female vice president of the United States. In the entertainment industry, actresses like Viola Davis and Regina King are paving the way for diversity and inclusion, breaking barriers and smashing records with their outstanding performances. Women in technology are also making strides, with leaders like Susan Wojcicki and Sheryl Sandberg blazing trails and inspiring the next generation of female tech pioneers. They say it is a man’s world, but it will be an understatement to say that this man’s world has been built upon the shoulders of pioneering women. In our women’s special edition, we wished to acknowledge and celebrate all the women who have broken the barriers of patriarchal dominance and created a record for themselves. Check them out below –
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai made history back in 2014 when she became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Pakistani female education activist achieved this feat at just the age of 17 years. Malala endured a lot when she was left seriously injured after being attacked in Pakistan for her campaign work by an extremist terrorist group. Since then, Yousafzai has emerged to become a prominent figure for women’s education around the world.
Greta Thunberg
Greta is often seen in the news getting carried away by government officials usually at a protest. The Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg set a record for being the youngest Time ‘Person Of The Year’ at the age of just 16 years and 354 days. Thunberg gained prominence in August 2018 when she protested against her own government in Sweden to step up and deliver on its environmental commitments. In 2022, Greta Thunberg made headlines for trolling the infamous social media influencer Andrew Tate which led to Twitter having a field day.
Zara Rutherford
All of us dream to travel around the world. Be it the hustle of New York or the serenity of Switzerland, we want to experience it all. But would you be willing to travel across the world solo in a microlight aircraft? Sounds crazy but Zara Rutherford achieved this feat just at the young age of 19! Zara is an aviator who at the age of 19 became the youngest female pilot to fly solo around the world and the first person ever to complete a circumnavigation in a microlight aircraft. She completed her journey in five months. Interestingly, Zara’s brother at the age of 16 has broken the same record becoming the youngest person to fly around the world.
Christina Koch
“I’d love to go to space” is something I find myself saying at least once a week. The realisation that we’re just specks of dust when it comes to the universe is a humbling experience and witnessing outer space would be a privilege. However, it’s not for the faint of heart and Christina Koch is the exact opposite of it. US astronaut Christina Koch broke the women’s record for the longest time in space. As a part of a long-duration mission, Christina Koch spent 328 days in space making it the longest single spaceflight by a woman. The record was previously held by Peggy Whitson who spent a total of 288 days in space.
Junko Tabei
Humanity has been climbing mountains both physically and philosophically for the longest time. However, climbing Mount Everest is known to be one of the most daunting challenges for climbers around the world. In 1975, Junk Tabei became the first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest. Besides climbing Everest, Junko Tabei also became the first woman to climb the ‘Seven Summits’ – the highest mountain in each continent and didn’t stop there as she also tackled 70 other mountains around the world.
Mary Kom
I am sure we have all seen the Mary Kom biopic featuring Priyanka Chopra in the titular role. While the film showcases Kom’s journey in an effective manner, it surely misses out on all the laurels this boxer has won for our country. Mary Kom has a number of records under her kitty which inspire a lot of young women to wear boxing gloves and get into the ring. Mary Kom is the only woman to win World Amateur Boxing Championship six times. She is dubbed as ‘Magnificient Mary’ by people which is not an understatement as she is the only female boxer to have won a medal in each of the first seven World Championships. Mary is also the first woman from India to win a medal in boxing at the Olympics.
Arunima Sinha
Arunima Sinha is inspiration personified. Her story is that of resilience and conquering pain in the face of challenges. It was back in 2011 when 24-year-old Arunima Sinha who was a national-level volleyball player at the time was thrown off a moving train by refusing to hand over the gold chain she was wearing. She ended up losing her left leg in this altercation when a train went over it. But that did not stop her as she made it her life’s goal to climb Mount Everest with a prosthetic leg. She achieved this feat in 2013 becoming the first ever Indian female amputee to climb Everest. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015.
Kalpana Chawla
If you were in school around 2002-03 like me then you know how prominent a figure Kalpana Chawla is. Kalpana was an Indian-born American astronaut and aerospace engineer who was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. Kalpana was a proud immigrant and a woman of colour who was the mission specialist on the Shuttle Columbia in 2003. Sadly, the Shuttle Columbia exploded during re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere killing her and six other crew members.
Gitanjali Rao
Getting titled TIME’s ‘Person Of The Year’ is a huge feat in itself. Imagine the magazine making a whole new category just to award you. The 15-year-old Indian-American scientist Gitanjali Rao was the first ever TIME ‘Kid Of The Year’ in 2020 for her scientific solutions. Gitanjali developed a lead detection tool when she was only 10 years old. Her understanding of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan led to her making a lead detection tool which could help the residents of the area.
Dr Jill Biden
It is easy for the First Lady of the US to take a backseat and enjoy the comfort of having their husband run the country. But Dr Jill Biden is not any other First Lady as she holds a doctorate in education leadership. During her two terms as the Second Lady, Jill continued to teach writing full-time at the Northern Virginia Community College and promised that she would continue to do even if her husband becomes the president. Jill Biden is still a committed teacher during Joe Biden’s presidential run making her the first First Lady to hold a paying job outside the White House.
Since the early days of pop music, female pop stars have challenged societal norms and expectations, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the industry. In the 1960s, artists like Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin brought soulful vocals and dynamic performances to the forefront of pop music, while in the 1970s, disco icons like Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor inspired millions with their empowering and uplifting anthems. In the 1980s, Madonna revolutionized the industry with her provocative lyrics, daring fashion, and unapologetic sexuality, while Whitney Houston became one of the biggest voices of her generation, dominating charts and breaking records with her powerful vocals and emotive performances.
Our Exhibit Women’s special edition would be incomplete without talking about the women pop stars who rule the world right now. Check them out –
Taylor Swift
Swift’s music is known for its autobiographical and deeply personal themes, often drawing on her own experiences with love, heartbreak, and growth. Her songwriting and vocal abilities have been praised for their honesty and authenticity, and her ability to connect with her fans has made her one of the most successful musicians of her generation.
In addition to her music, Swift has been active in various philanthropic endeavours, including supporting education and disaster relief initiatives. She has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and political engagement, encouraging her fans to participate in elections and speaking out against discrimination and inequality. Taylor just back in December sold more than two million tickets during her Eras Tour presale making it the most tickets ever sold for an artist in a single day. There are no two thoughts about Taylor Swift being the biggest female pop star of our generation.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish grew up in a family of musicians and began writing and recording her own music at a young age. Her breakout single “Ocean Eyes” was released in 2016 and quickly gained viral popularity, leading to a recording contract with Interscope Records.
In addition to her music, Eilish has become known for her distinctive style and unapologetic approach to self-expression. She often wears oversized and baggy clothing, which she has explained is a deliberate choice to avoid being objectified or judged based on her body. Eilish has been open about her struggles with mental health and has used her platform to advocate for the importance of seeking help and breaking down stigmas surrounding mental illness.
Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey’s music is known for its nostalgic and cinematic qualities, often incorporating elements of pop, rock, and hip-hop into her signature sound. Her lyrics frequently explore themes of love, heartbreak, and Americana, with a focus on the darker and more complex aspects of these topics. Despite her commercial success, Lana has faced criticism for her lyrics and image, with some accusing her of promoting harmful stereotypes about women and romanticizing abusive relationships. Del Rey has defended herself against these criticisms, arguing that her music is a reflection of her own experiences and emotions, and that she does not condone violence or abuse.
Despite these controversies, Del Rey remains a highly influential and acclaimed musician, with a devoted fan base and multiple Grammy nominations to her name
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga undoubtedly had me in a chokehold when her song ‘Hold My Hand’ for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ was released earlier last year. Gaga’s music is known for its catchy hooks and empowering messages, often incorporating elements of dance, electronic, and rock music. Her theatrical performances and unique fashion sense have made her a cultural icon and inspiration to many fans around the world. Gaga is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in the areas of LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
In addition to her music career, Gaga has also made a name for herself as an actress, receiving critical acclaim for her performances in movies like “A Star is Born” and “American Horror Story.” She’ll be seen flaunting her acting skills in the upcoming Joker 2 film alongside Joaquin Phoenix.
Rihanna
Rihanna will forever be ‘Queen Riri’ for me after she blessed the latest Black Panther film with the ‘Lift Me Up’ single. Rihanna’s music is known for its blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, and her distinctive vocals and catchy hooks. She has won numerous awards for her music, including multiple Grammy Awards, and is considered one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her music videos are also highly acclaimed, often incorporating cinematic storytelling and striking visuals.
In addition to her music career, Rihanna has also made a name for herself as a businesswoman, with multiple successful ventures in the fashion and beauty industries. She founded the Fenty Beauty makeup line in 2017, which has become a major player in the beauty industry with a focus on inclusivity and diversity. Her little promotion of the Fenty Beauty brand during her Super Bowl performance created waves across the internet.
Adele
Adele has managed to carve a niche for herself in the music industry with soulful songs that put you in a spell. Adele’s debut album, “19,” was released in 2008 and featured the hit singles “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory.” The album’s success propelled Adele to international fame and earned her two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. She followed up with her second album, “21,” in 2011, which became a worldwide phenomenon and broke numerous records, including spending 24 weeks at the top of the US Billboard 200 chart. The album included hit singles such as “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain,” and won Adele six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
In 2015, Adele released her third album, “25,” which featured the hit singles “Hello,” “When We Were Young,” and “Send My Love (To Your New Lover).” The album was another commercial and critical success, earning Adele five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for the second time.
Throughout history, women have made invaluable contributions to society, despite facing countless obstacles and barriers along the way. From queens and warriors to scientists and activists, women have left an indelible mark on the world, shaping our understanding of everything from politics and culture to science and technology. In this brief exploration of prominent women in history, we’ll delve into the lives and legacies of some of the most influential female figures of all time, celebrating their accomplishments and examining the impact they had on their respective fields and on the world as a whole.
I do not need to remind our readers that we live in a patriarchal society. However, if you think women do not play a huge role in where humanity stands today then you’re mistaken. For example, the scientist who discovered radium and inched humanity closer towards the cure for cancer was a woman. The founder of nursing as we know it today was a woman. Besides this, two of the biggest news stories broken in the 20th century i.e The Pentagon Papers and the Watergate scandal are published by a woman. There is no denying that women have significantly shaped our society over the decades. Read on to learn about such prominent women in history –
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Marie Curie, born in Poland in 1867, was a pioneering scientist and the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize. She is best known for her groundbreaking work on radioactivity, which led to the discovery of two new elements, radium and polonium. Her research revolutionized the field of physics and chemistry and laid the foundation for modern nuclear physics.
Despite facing discrimination as a woman in the male-dominated scientific community, Curie was relentless in her pursuit of knowledge and dedicated her life to research. Her contributions not only advanced our understanding of the physical world but also had a profound impact on medicine, as her discovery of radium led to the development of new cancer treatments. Curie’s legacy as a pioneering scientist and trailblazer for women in science continues to inspire generations of young people around the world.
Savitribai Phule (1831-1897)
Savitribai Phule was a prominent Indian social reformer, poet, and educator who lived in the 19th century. Born in Maharashtra in 1831, she is widely regarded as India’s first female teacher and played a significant role in the movement for women’s rights and education.
Phule was a passionate advocate for girls’ education and believed that education was the key to empowering women and breaking down social barriers. She founded India’s first school for girls along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, and worked tirelessly to promote education and literacy among women and girls.
Anne Frank (1929-1945)
I read ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ back when I was in school without realizing the gravitas of the words written in the book. Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl who became known around the world for her diary, which chronicled her experiences hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1929, Anne and her family fled to Amsterdam in 1933 to escape the rise of the Nazi party. n 1942, the family went into hiding in a secret annexe behind her father’s business to avoid being sent to a concentration camp. During her two years in hiding, Anne wrote about her fears, hopes, and dreams in her diary, which she named “Kitty.” Today, Anne Frank’s diary has been translated into over 70 languages and is considered one of the most important books of the 20th century, providing a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and the importance of tolerance and acceptance.
Rosa Parks (1913-2005)
Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist who became known as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Born in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1913, Parks was a prominent figure in the fight for racial equality during the 1950s and 60s.
In 1955, Parks famously refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white passenger, defying the city’s segregation laws. Her act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a massive protest movement that lasted over a year and helped to launch the Civil Rights Movement.
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
Frida Kahlo.*gelatin silver print.*Oct. 16 / 1932
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist who is best known for her powerful self-portraits and surrealist paintings. Born in Mexico City in 1907, Kahlo began painting as a way to cope with the physical and emotional pain she experienced after a near-fatal bus accident at the age of 18.
Kahlo’s art often depicted the struggles she faced, including chronic pain, illness, and personal trauma. She also explored themes related to Mexican culture and identity, often incorporating traditional dress and symbolism into her work. Despite facing discrimination as a woman in the male-dominated art world, Kahlo’s unique style and powerful imagery have made her one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century.
Kamala Harris (1964-Present)
Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney who made history by becoming the first female, first African American, and first Asian American Vice President of the United States. She was born in Oakland, California, in 1964 to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica. Harris attended Howard University, a historically black college in Washington, D.C., where she studied political science and economics.
In 2020, Harris was selected as the running mate for Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden. The Biden-Harris ticket won the election, and Harris made history as the first woman, African American, and Asian American to hold the office of Vice President.
Throughout her career, Kamala Harris has been a trailblazer for women and people of colour in politics and has focused on issues such as social justice, healthcare, and economic inequality. Her ascension to the Vice Presidency is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and commitment to public service.
In conclusion, the impact of prominent women throughout history cannot be overstated. From trailblazers in science, literature, and politics, to activists and advocates for social justice, these women have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. Their stories of courage, determination, and resilience serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of perseverance and the importance of fighting for what we believe in. As we continue to celebrate and honour their legacies, may we be inspired to make our own mark on history and create a brighter, more equitable future for all.
India has seen a surge in women-led businesses in recent years, with many entrepreneurs breaking barriers and making a mark in various industries. These businesses and women leaders are not only empowering women but also contributing to India’s economy and job creation. Thanks to startups being celebrated in the mainstream culture with shows like Shark Tand India, more and more women are testing the waters and entering the startup arena. These women-led businesses are not just successful but also break the sexist stereotypes that limit women’s reach in the world.
Nykaa
Nykaa is a Mumbai-based wellness brand founded by Falguni Nayar in 2012. It is an online beauty and wellness store that offers a range of products, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances. Nykaa has raised over $100 million in funding and has more than 100 retail stores across the country. The startup has disrupted the beauty industry and has become a leading player in the market.
Zivame
Zivame is a Bangalore-based startup founded by Richa Kar in 2011. It is an online lingerie store that offers a wide range of products for women. Zivame has raised over $50 million in funding and has more than 30 retail stores across the country. The startup has disrupted the lingerie industry, which was traditionally dominated by male-led companies.
The Moms Co.
The Moms Co. is a Delhi-based startup founded by Malika Sadani in 2016. It is a natural and toxin-free skincare brand for moms and babies. The startup has raised over $5 million in funding and has a presence in over 10,000 stores across the country. The Moms Co. is a pioneer in the natural skincare industry and has made a mark with its innovative products.
Vahdam Teas
Vahdam Teas is a Delhi-based startup founded by Bala Sarda in 2015. It is an online tea store that offers a wide range of teas from different regions of India. Vahdam Teas has raised over $17 million in funding and has a presence in over 100 countries. The startup has disrupted the tea industry, which was traditionally dominated by established players.
SUGAR Cosmetics
SUGAR Cosmetics was founded by Vineeta Singh and Kaushik Mukherjee in 2015. It is a makeup brand that offers a range of products, including lipsticks, eyeliners, and foundations. SUGAR Cosmetics has raised over $20 million in funding and has a presence in over 10 countries. The startup has disrupted the makeup industry and has become a leading player in the market.
FabAlley
FabAlley is a Delhi-based startup founded by Shivani Poddar and Tanvi Malik in 2012. It is an online fashion store that offers a range of products, including clothes, accessories, and footwear. FabAlley has raised over $8 million in funding and has a presence in over 200 cities across the country. The startup has disrupted the fashion industry and has become a popular choice among young women.
YourStory
YourStory is a Bangalore-based startup founded by Shradha Sharma in 2008. It is a media platform that covers startups and entrepreneurs in India. YourStory has raised over $18 million in funding and has a reach of over 10 million readers. The startup has played a significant role in promoting and supporting the startup ecosystem in India. These are just a few examples of the many women-led businesses in India that are making a mark in various industries. These startups are breaking barriers and inspiring more women to become entrepreneurs. We’re in 2023 and it is definitely high time for people to stop underestimating what women can achieve in various fields across the globe!
Nothing’s better than putting in a day of honest work! However, won’t it be better if technology helps make it easier?
Technology has been changing the way we work for decades, but the pace of technological advancement has accelerated in recent years, bringing about a range of new opportunities and challenges for the workforce. Thanks to the rise of remote working, a big chunk of people now work from the comforts of their homes. But it doesn’t end there as thanks to artificial intelligence, automation and virtual reality, technology is changing the very nature of work and the way we approach it. Check out some of the ways technology has been changing the way we work –
Remote Work
Remote work may have started off as a compulsion during the pandemic times, but it definitely unlocked a whole new meaning of working. With the rise of collaboration tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, many workers can now work from anywhere with an internet connection. This has the potential to increase work-life balance and reduce commuting times, but it also requires new skills to communicate and collaborate effectively in a remote environment.
Automation
One of the most significant impacts of technology on the workplace is automation. Automation has been used in manufacturing for decades, but advances in technology are now enabling automation in a range of industries, from healthcare and finance to retail and transportation. This has the potential to significantly increase efficiency and productivity, but it also raises concerns about job displacement and the need for new skills.
Gig Economy
Another way technology is changing the workplace is through the rise of the gig economy. Platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and Upwork are enabling individuals to work on a freelance basis, offering their skills and services on demand. This has created new opportunities for people who may not have had access to traditional employment, but on the flip side, it has also raised questions about worker protection and job security.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also changing the way we work. AI can analyze data faster and more accurately than humans, enabling businesses to make better decisions and improve efficiency. However, it also raises concerns about the ethical implications of using AI to make decisions about people, and the potential for AI to replace human workers in certain industries. The headlines about tech companies undergoing major layoffs are undoubtedly scary while algorithms take over their job positions. It is too soon to judge whether artificial intelligence will ultimately be a boon or a curse to the workforce and humanity as a whole.
VR and AR
Finally, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is beginning to be used in the workplace, offering new ways to train employees, visualize data, and collaborate remotely. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we work, but it also requires significant investment and training to be used effectively.
In conclusion, technology is changing the way we work in a range of ways. While these changes offer new opportunities and benefits, they also raise important questions about the future of work, including job displacement, worker protections, and the need for new skills and training. As technology continues to evolve, it will be essential for businesses, policymakers, and individuals to stay informed and adapt to these changes in order to thrive in the new digital economy.
When technology like AI comes to the forefront, it becomes necessary to know what leaders around the world are thinking about it. Be it policymakers or tech leaders, what people in charge responsible for handling the technology do with it trickles down to the general public and affects our lives. It looks like Bill Gates understands his position in the world and has now shared his honest thoughts about artificial intelligence and its implementation in the future. Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates is impressed by the revolutionary potential of applications such as ChatGPT and Bing. Gates wrote a seven-page blog post in his ‘Gates Notes’ portal sharing how awestruck he is with AI. Check out excerpts from his blog post below –
Bill Gates’ views on AI
“In my lifetime, I’ve seen two demonstrations of technology that struck me as revolutionary.
The first time was in 1980, when I was introduced to a graphical user interface—the forerunner of every modern operating system, including Windows. I sat with the person who had shown me the demo, a brilliant programmer named Charles Simonyi, and we immediately started brainstorming about all the things we could do with such a user-friendly approach to computing. Charles eventually joined Microsoft, Windows became the backbone of Microsoft, and the thinking we did after that demo helped set the company’s agenda for the next 15 years.” wrote Gates in his notes.
Bill Gates then went on to reminisce about the meeting he had with OpenAI’s team and how the company’s AI work surprised him. He challenged the OpenAI team to train artificial intelligence to pass an Advanced Placement biology exam. Bill expected the challenge would keep OpenAI’s team busy for at least two or three years but was taken aback when they finished it in just a few months. GPT scored the highest possible score in the exam which convinced Bill that he had witnessed the most advancement in technology since the graphical user interface. He went on to add that the introduction of AI in the field of health and education will be monumental.
If you were on the internet in 2021 like most of us were thanks to the pandemic, then you know how crazy the hype around the metaverse was. Touted as the next big thing in the tech world, the metaverse promised an entirely immersive virtual world including futuristic avatars and wearable devices. It was back in October 2021 when Facebook made the announcement of changing its name to ‘Meta’ reflecting upon its goals to expand from a social media giant into the metaverse. Cut to 2023 where it looks like Meta’s dream has lost its momentum if not come to a complete stop. What was called by Mark Zuckerberg the ‘next chapter of the internet’ finds itself lost somewhere in the noise with little to no interest amongst the general public. So, is the metaverse dying?
Zuckerberg pulls the plug
Since 2021 when Zuckerberg announced the Facebook rebranding to Meta, the company has lost a big chunk of money. As per reports, meta lost as much as $20 billion as of December 2022 from its ‘Reality Labs’ segment since its start in 2021. The losses kept piling up to the point where investors started raising concerns about Mark’s approach to this business expansion. Brad Gerstner, whose Altimeter Capital fund owns hundreds of millions worth of Meta shares wrote an open letter to Mark Zuckerberg stating that the company had lost investors’ confidence. People and organizations with major stakes in the company expressed concern that Zuckerberg had lost the focus of his company’s core social media empire to pivot onto a concept that may take years to come to fruition.
As a result, Mark Zuckerberg had to issue a statement revealing that the metaverse was not the majority of what the company was doing. Mark revealed that about 80% of Meta’s investments are driven towards the core business and only about or less than 20% of its investments went towards Reality Labs. Meta’s core businesses include Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp Messenger. Mark then added that the vast majority of what Meta does will continue to go towards social media until the ‘metaverse becomes a larger thing’ Zuckerberg was insistent about the fact that communication in 2023 will be different than the computing devices used today. The Meta head had gone on record and stated that he is ‘very optimistic’ about the direction Meta was headed in. Well, that was until 2023 when the AI race took an interesting turn and Meta aims to strike gold in that arena.
It might have not come with major announcements or discourse on the internet, but Mark Zuckerberg has quietly pulled the plug on his metaverse dream. The Meta head quietly buried his ambitious project and redirected his attention towards artificial intelligence. Failures are quiet and success makes all the noise stand true in this case. Chatter on the web suggests that issuing a public announcement would force Mark to admit that he was wrong, which is a big price to pay amidst already plummeting stock value and backlash over mass layoffs. On the other hand, Meta’s attention shift to AI reflects upon the unparalleled potential of the technology to revolutionize the world. So what exactly is Meta’s focus now? Here’s what Mark Zuckerberg shared in a post on February 27 –
“We’re creating a new top-level product group at Meta focused on generative AI to turbocharge our work in this area. We’re starting by pulling together a lot of the teams working on generative AI across the company into one group focused on building delightful experiences around this technology into all of our different products. In the short term, we’ll focus on building creative and expressive tools. Over the longer term, we’ll focus on developing AI personas that can help people in a variety of ways. We’re exploring experiences with text (like chat in WhatsApp and Messenger), with images (like creative Instagram filters and ad formats), and with video and multi-modal experiences. We have a lot of foundational work to do before getting to the really futuristic experiences, but I’m excited about all of the new things we’ll build along the way.”
Meta Platforms Inc recently released a new large language model to researchers. The model, titled ‘LLaMA’ is intended to help scientists and engineers explore the application of AI such as answering questions and summarizing documents. The new model has been developed by Meta’s Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) team which was established nearly a decade back in September 2013.
LLaMA is not ChatGPT or Bing Search alternative, which means it is not a system that users can hop on and have conversations with. Rather, it is a research tool which Meta believes will democratize access to AI in a fast-changing field. In simple terms, LLaMA has been made public to help experts dish out problems with AI language models in general. In recent times, there have been reports about Microsoft’s Bing search AI giving passive-aggressive and factually incorrect responses. LLaMA has been publicised to help solve issues like those.
Meta announced its new language model in a blog post writing – “We believe the entire AI community — academic researchers, civil society, policymakers, and industry — must work together to develop clear guidelines around responsible AI in general and responsible large language models in particular, given their centrality in many downstream language applications. A much broader segment of the AI community needs access to these models in order to conduct reproducible research and collectively drive the field forward.” This means that the company’s focus has definitely shifted towards the AI race from the metaverse.
While the metaverse has been put on the sidelines by Mark, the tech leader was quick to realize the paradigm shift with AI technology and pivoted immediately. In the general context, the metaverse could be signed off as Zuckerberg’s expensive fling that ran its course. However, what makes us curious now is the future of virtual reality which was the backbone of the metaverse.
Despite all the flashy and at times downright dystopian demos of VR implemented in the metaverse, Zucklerberg’s dream did not catch on as he would have expected. So, does the failure of the metaverse actually affect development in the VR space? We’d say yes, but only partially. Here’s why –
The Future of VR
While the metaverse vision relied solely on VR technologies to create an immersive experience for people in a digital dimension, the technology itself was never chained to that limitation. VR as a concept has been around since the mid-1980s when Jaron Lanier, founder of VPL Research started working to develop gear including a goggle and gloves to experience virtual reality. However, the VR headsets as we see them now in the mainstream were introduced by Oculus VR and are the brainchild of Palmer Lucky.
VR has been a growing field in the world of tech for over a decade now and has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives be it entertainment, healthcare or education. The main reason why VR gained mainstream popularity is due to the availability of affordable VR headsets right now that allows people to have an immersive experience at a pocket-friendly price. I remember buying my first-ever VR headset for under Rs 2K from Amazon back in 2019 and watching Avengers: Endgame in 3D, it was an experience like no other!
Another reason why VR has shaped up to become the next big thing is due to its mindful implementation in gaming. VR unlocks the next level of immersive gaming allowing players that they are inside the game. There are a number of companies right now in the world which are working specifically on developing VR-centric games that are impressive, to say the least. VR has the potential to transform the gaming industry in its entirety. Players won’t experience the game as a character sitting in front of a screen but feel like they’re inside the game. This high level of immersive gaming experience could revolutionize gaming and change the way we enjoy games altogether.
Another end of the spectrum in entertainment. The theatrical exhibition of films has taken a hit in the past few years as the audience shifts to OTT platforms for their entertainment. This hints that the audience can and will adapt to changing patterns of consuming cinema including watching in VR. In the future, films could be produced specifically to cater to the VR audience creating an immersive experience of storytelling like no other. This level of stimulation will undoubtedly hook the movie-going audience who are always on the lookout for something new. VR could also help a lot when it comes to education as students could visit monuments across the world in virtual reality or learn about the human anatomy wearing a VR headset.
In conclusion, I would like to reinstate the fact that VR technology has been around well before the inception of the metaverse. While the metaverse depends on VR to thrive, no such limitations are present in VR technology. While the future of the metaverse looks dark, the same cannot be said for VR.
The AI race is now in full swing. Many if not all tech players around the world have now stepped into the arena to battle out the AI wars and emerge as number one. Currently, OpenAI is leading the charts with its monumental ChatGPT which made waves across the world after launching in November 2022. However, while humanity is amazed at the capabilities of what conversational general AI is capable of doing, the flip side includes major concerns. Is it safe? Will it replace my job? Will AI become sentient? What is the future? are some of the questions running around on the internet surrounding ChatGPT and similar services which have either been released or are waiting to be released in the near future. Recently, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman sat down for an interview with ABC News where he shared his concerns about the AI race –
Sam Altman’s views on the AI race
During the interview, one major concern Sam Altman warned about was that there will be other developers who make a service similar to ChatGPT but do not put any safety limits on it. As of now, if ChatGPT is asked to write essays on controversial topics, it refuses to do so. Altman shared that not having safety protocols in place for a ChatGPT clone would be dire as the society as a whole does not have enough time to figure out how to react to it. Sam added furthermore that he is particularly worried about these large-scale language models being used to spread misinformation.
The OpenAI CEO was transparent about the issues concerning AI and also shared that AI will eventually cut a lot of current jobs. Altman was quoted saying “We’ve got to be careful here. I think people should be happy that we are a little bit scared of this” When confronted as to why he feels scared about AI, he said if he doesn’t express his fright then people should either not trust him or be very unhappy that he is in this position. We’re only at the beginning of the AI revolution thus painting a pessimistic picture of the same is not fair. However, it will be interesting to see if this new technology is a boon or a curse to humanity!
